Francesca and Sharkey

A Funny Affair for Autism

Last Monday evening, my friends, Harry and Laura Slatkin, invited me to a very moving and entertaining event called A Funny Affair for Autism, held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Autism Speaks Co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright and New York Center for Autism Co-founders Laura and Harry Slatkin, honored fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger for his commitment to increasing awareness and support of the autism community. Autism Speaks is the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. The New York Center for Autism is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals and families who are living with autism spectrum disorder. Following cocktails, dinner, a musical performance, and a hilarious comedy skit, comedian and Curb Your Enthusiam star Susie Essman and Lydia Fenet of Christie’s, conducted an auction of celebrity designed Christmas trees and menorahs, including a tree donated by me! I was so thrilled to hear that the menorahs and trees raised nearly $65,000! In all, this really fun night brought in more than 1.3 million dollars for individuals with autism and their families.

1 The affair I attended on Monday night was held at the magnificent Plaza Hotel in New York City. This beautiful, stately, and romantic room is the famous Palm Court.

2 The Plaza has been decorated beautifully for the holidays.

3 I really loved this glowing red tree.

4 The event was called A Funny Affair for Autism and was held in the Grand Ballroom.

5 Here I am with New York Center for Autism Co-founders - Harry and Laura Slatkin and Autism Speaks Co-founders - Suzanne and Bob Wright.

6 And here I am again with the Slatkins and with the evening's honoree, fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger and his wife, Dee Ocleppo, who served as the honorary chair of the event.

7 Tommy Hilfiger has been a long-time advocate for Autism Speaks and works to raise awareness about the 1 in 110 odds of being diagnosed with autism, encouraging the public to learn its early warning signs.

8 The tables were covered with red tartan tablecloths and had gingerbread centerpieces and Slatkin & Co. pine-scented candles, which were also given as favors to guests.

9 We were treated to an endearing special musical performance by students of the New York Center for Autism Charter School.

10 Tommy Hilfiger’s red, white and blue tree, which went for $10,000 at the evening's auction.

11 My tree, The Star Power Tree, sold for $9,000 and featured white sparkly ornaments. The Slatkins purchased it and donated it to the NYCA Charter School.

12 Peter Alexander, an NBC Nightly News correspondent, emceed along with Donny Deutsch, a television personality and advertising executive.

13 Suzanne Wright gave a moving talk.

14 Followed with another by Harry Slatkin

15 Seth Meyers talked about tourists visiting the tree at Rockefeller Center - 'I don't get why people from Nebraska come all the way to this concrete island to see one tree. That's like New Yorkers going to Nebraska to see the one mugger.'

16 Bill Hader came as his SNL character, Stefon, and Seth.

17 Just as he does on SNL, Stefon said some pretty outrageously funny things, while Seth kept trying to rein him in.

18 Hilarious Susie Essman, of 'Curb Your Enthusiam' with Isaac Mizrahi's 'Flower Power Menorah' with hot pink hues and iridescent flowers. It went to Jim Simons, chairman and founder of Renaissance Technologies LLC, for $10,000.

19 Tommy and Dee were clearly enjoying themselves.

20 Next up for auction was the Hanukkah Song Menorah, signed by Adam Sandler.

21 That menorah featured the faces of the famous people Mr. Sandler sings about in his well-known song.

22 Someone bid an impressive $25,000 for it!

23 The honoree, Tommy Hilfiger also spoke.

24 He said, 'Tonight means much more to me than just an award. It is about honoring the children and families who suffer with the trauma and frustrations that autism brings.'

25 Tommy Hilfiger's tree was called All-American Christmas and featured these adorable lumberjack bear ornaments.

26 And, of course, patriotic American flags.

27 It was topped with a classic star.

28 The Godiva tree was decorated in their signature gold and brown.

29 It had tiny Godiva bags as ornaments.

30 And chocolates, of course!

31 Designer Jonathan Adler fashioned this beautiful turquoise menorah in the shape of a peacock.

32 The candles represent the tail plumage of the bird.

33 He dubbed it 'Peacock Chic.'

34 Jimmy Fallon and the staff of his show, 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,' created this lovely tree.

35 This ornament had a real 'heartthrob' photo of Jimmy!

36 Another fun ornament

37 Jimmy's tree was full of comedy, like this ornament of fellow SNL alum, Will Ferrell.

38 This one is in homage to one of the show's bits parodying educational videos from the '80s.